New Guardian ad Litem Advocate Sworn In

The District 11 Guardian ad Litem Program held a swearing-in ceremony in Johnston County recently for a volunteer child advocate in Johnston County. The volunteer completed the required advocate training and the Honorable District Court Judge Paul Holcombe administered the GAL Volunteer Oath. The volunteers will now serve as court appointed advocates for children who have been abused and/or neglected.Pictured from left to right: Judge Holcombe, Sandy Nieves and Marie Mobley, Attorney Advocate for Harnett and Johnston County.

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a trained community member appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected youth petitioned into the court system by the Department of Social Services. The GAL works with program staff and an attorney advocate to represent the child’s best interest in court. District 11 serves Harnett, Johnston, and Lee Counties.

Currently there are 339 children in the District 11 GAL program and 101 children that are in need of a volunteer to advocate for their best interest in the court. If you think this is something you’d like to do, please contact the Guardian ad Litem program at910-814-4690 or 919-934-3348. The next training class will begin in August so submit your application now to reserve your space. You can also find out more about the program by visiting www.ncgal.org or www.facebook.com/ncGuardianAdLitem.